The CARF Foundation's charity market reaches its 30th edition with a new location in Madrid

The parish of Our Lady of the Pillar in Madrid (Juan Bravo, 40) will host the 30th edition of the charity market organized by the Social Action Board (PAS) from November 27th to 29th, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. CARF Foundation. The event is being held at a different location this year because the parish halls of San Luis de los Franceses, its usual venue, are under construction.

Among the items for sale, all donated, are tableware, cutlery, glassware, tablecloths, paintings, clothing, and decorative objects, as well as furniture and antiques restored by the volunteers themselves. To celebrate the anniversary, the volunteers will also offer handmade Christmas sweets—marzipan, nougat, shortbread, and chocolate—made by a volunteer who is a master pastry chef.

Beginnings in a private home

The first sales were made in a private home and, later, in a space provided by a hair salon. “It started very small and has grown over the years,” recalls Rosana Diez-Canseco, co-president of PAS, who today leads the third generation of volunteers along with Carmen Ortega.

The PAS (Pastoral Prayer Group) was founded in 1989 by several women who wanted to involve more people in praying for vocations and raise funds for those who cannot afford their studies. The funds it raises throughout the year contribute to the intellectual, human, and spiritual formation of seminarians, diocesan priests, and religious at universities in Rome and Pamplona, as well as to the purchase of the sacred vessels that are given to those who, after studying there, return to their countries to be ordained priests.

The Board continues to receive donations of items in good condition, which can be offered by writing to patronatodeaccionsocial@gmail.com.